Watch Reality Bites

Reality Bites is a classic romantic comedy-drama from 1994 that is set in the midst of Generation X angst. It was directed by Ben Stiller and stars Winona Ryder, Ethan Hawke, and Janeane Garofalo in the lead roles. The plot of Reality Bites revolves around four friends - Lelaina Pierce (Winona Ryder), Troy Dyer (Ethan Hawke), Vickie Miner (Janeane Garofalo), and Sammy Gray (Steve Zahn) - who are recent college graduates trying to find their place in the world. Lelaina is a college valedictorian trying to make it as a filmmaker, Troy is a slacker who works at a convenience store and wants to be a musician, Vickie is a chain-smoking retail worker, and Sammy is a gay aspiring actor.

The main focus of the movie is on Lelaina, who is making a documentary about the struggles of her generation. She is also trying to navigate her way through romantic relationships with both Troy and Michael Grates (Ben Stiller), a yuppie executive she meets through work. Lelaina's love life becomes even more complicated when she discovers that Troy has feelings for her.

Reality Bites tackles a number of heavy topics, including unemployment, homelessness, drug use, sexual orientation, and HIV/AIDS. However, the movie tells these stories with humor and heart, making it a relatable and entertaining film. The characters' struggles with identity, relationships, and adulthood are themes that still ring true for many viewers today.

The film's soundtrack is also a highlight, featuring popular songs from the era including "Stay" by Lisa Loeb and "My Sharona" by The Knack. The fashion and pop culture references from the 90s also make Reality Bites a nostalgic trip down memory lane for those who grew up during the decade.

One of the standout performances comes from Ethan Hawke, who plays the charismatic but troubled Troy Dyer. Hawke's portrayal of the slacker musician who struggles with his own feelings of inadequacy is both compelling and relatable. Winona Ryder is also excellent as Lelaina Pierce, navigating the complex emotions of a young woman trying to find her place in the world while dealing with the pressures of growing up.

Ultimately, Reality Bites is a timeless coming-of-age story that captures the struggles of a generation. It is a witty and heart-warming film that offers both laughs and tears, and a reminder that sometimes the road to finding ourselves can be a bumpy one.

Reality Bites is a 1994 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 67.